Virginia SOL 1.CE.1.i
The Standard
Describe the equal symbol (=) as a balance representing an equivalent relationship between expressions on either side of the equal symbol (e.g., 6 and 1 is the same as 4 and 3; 6 + 1 is balanced with 4 + 3; 6 + 1 = 4 + 3).
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will recall with automaticity addition and subtraction facts within 10 and represent, solve, and justify solutions to single-step problems, including those in context, using addition and subtraction with whole numbers within 20.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students find the value of each expression and decide whether the two sides name the same amount. They use objects, drawings, or number facts to explain why an equation is true or false.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student correctly reads equations in varied forms, such as 7 = 5 + 2 and 3 + 4 = 6 + 1. The student fills in a missing number and justifies the choice by comparing both sides.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think the equal sign means to write the answer next. They may reject equations with a number on the left or operations on both sides. Some compare the visible numbers instead of finding each side’s total.
How to Assess It
- Give an exit ticket: Circle every true equation: 6 = 4 + 2, 3 + 4 = 5 + 1, 7 + 1 = 6 + 2. Then complete 5 + 2 = __ + 3 and draw counters to prove it.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build 6 + 1 and 4 + 3 with two-color counters, then place the rows side by side to compare their lengths.
Ask, “Can an equation start with 8?” and have partners prove their answers with one example and a drawing.
Give pairs equation cards to sort into true and false piles, then correct each false equation by changing one number.
Set out two snack plates with different groups of crackers, and ask students to write an equation showing equal totals.
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Printable 1.CE.1.i Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 3.CE.1.d
Identify and use the appropriate symbol to distinguish between expressions that are equal and expressions that are not equal (e.g., 256 - 13 = 220 + 23; 457 + 1...
- 2.CE.1.j
Represent and justify the relationship between values and expressions as equal or not equal using appropriate models and/or symbols (e.g., 9 + 24 = 10 + 23; 45 ...
- 4.CE.2.d
Identify and use the appropriate symbol to distinguish between expressions that are equal and expressions that are not equal, using addition, subtraction, multi...
- 2.CE.1.i
Describe the not equal symbol (≠) as representing a relationship where expressions on either side of the not equal symbol represent different values and justify...
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